Can I forcibly deactivate an iPad? If not, what are my options? [duplicate]

I've just been given a corporate iPad mini that previously was used by someone else in my team. It appears to have been factory reset - it is taking me through the welcome and setup process (language selection/wi-fi selection/etc.), but once I've connected it to the network, it says the iPad is currently linked to an existing Apple ID (it masks it with stars, but shows enough information that I can see who that is) and asks me to sign in with that Apple ID (which I don't have). The person in question is uncontactable. Is there any way I can forcibly reset it and remove its link to that Apple ID? If not, are there any options which make it more useful than a lightweight doorstop?

In short, no. It's a security feature to prevent thieves from selling the device on, as it is rendered useless if you don't have the person in question's apple ID and password.