iCloud: Activation Lock - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201365 - This is a security feature to deter re-selling of stolen devices. Apple is pretty strict about unlocking phones unless you can prove you are the owner. Passwords have transitioned from being casual things to log into a bulletin board somewhere to things representing thousands of dollars in investment.
You can call your local Apple Store ad see what they will require to do a reset, but remember even the FBI couldn't get Apple to unlock an iPhone for them.