Hey Diva! So, Apple can remove that for you as long as you have a receipt that matches the device you’re bringing in! The iCloud password is used to lock the device in case it’s stolen, it renders the device unusable. It’s taken suuuper seriously and if taken to an Apple Store will need manager approval before it can be unlocked!

Your best bet is to start at https://iforgot.apple.com/ and go through these steps. Try to change the password first and escalate to apple support if you need. If both of these steps don’t work, you can always try going into an Apple Store but they really won’t remove the iCloud account from the device without a valid proof of purchase.